TO THE MEMBERS OF
RAMA PHOSPHATES LTD.
The Directors hereby present their Thirty Ninth (39th) Annual Report on
the performance of Rama Phosphates Ltd. (the Company) together with the Audited Financial
Statements for the Financial Year ('FY) ended March 31, 2024.
As a leading player in Indian fertilizer industry, we are navigating
through our own transformation, reforming, sharpening, and strengthening our portfolio of
solutions and focusing on bringing about positive change at scale. While there is no
silver bullet for all adversities, a collaborative ecosystem of all stakeholders can help
solve and accelerate the changes that are required.
During the year under review your Company made all the efforts to face
the heat and overcome all external adversities shoved on it. Throughout the year the
Management remained steadfast in their commitments to excellence, adaptability and
sustainable growth. Despite facing numerous challenges, your Company made efforts to best
of its abilities to overcome external issues by demonstrating resilience with the
determination of entire team.
This year was a challenging year for the Company due to external
headwinds resulting in dampening of top-line and bottom-line subsequent to drastic
downward revision in subsidy rates. It is pertinent to note that there was marginal
softening of raw materials prices which could not be absorbed due to steep reduction in
subsidy thus squeezing fertilizer EBITDA margins drastically.
DIVIDEND
The Board of Directors of your Company expressed their inability to
recommend any dividend for the year under review in view of losses and also to conserve
reserves for working capital as well as ongoing capex requirements.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
During the year under review, performance of your company is as under:
FINANCIAL RESULTS |
YEAR ENDED 31/03/2024 |
YEAR ENDED 31/03/2023 |
Sales & Other Income |
60417.73 |
87548.39 |
Profit /(Loss) Before Financial Charges & Depreciation |
(1942.41) |
7281.28 |
Less : Financial Charges |
1281.81 |
806.87 |
Profit /(Loss) Before Depreciation & Amortisation |
(3224.22) |
6474.41 |
Less : Depreciation & Amortisation |
896.84 |
988.42 |
Net Profit / (Loss) Before Tax |
(4121.06) |
5485.99 |
Tax Expenses |
|
|
Current Tax |
- |
1365.78 |
Deferred Tax |
(1014.35) |
26.77 |
Earlier year Taxes |
- |
- |
Net Profit / (Loss) After Tax |
(3106.71) |
4093.44 |
Profit After Comprehensive income / (expense) Adjustments |
4558.29 |
4077.67 |
OVERALL FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE
Turnover and Profitability
This year is seasonally a bit lackluster for the industry. India, as a
whole, received a below normal monsoon, 94% of the long period average for the first time
in 4 years resulting in lower reservoir levels. This led to lower crop sowing affecting
the plantings. This has resulted in overall reduction in production of SSP fertilizers in
the country by 27% to Rs 44.44 lac MT in April - March 2024 from Rs 56.44 lac MT in April
- March 2023.
Your Company has achieved Turnover of Rs 604.18 crore during the
financial year 2024 against Rs 875.48 crore achieved in the financial year 2023. Loss
before interest, depreciation, amortization and taxation reported at Rs 19.42 crore
against profit of Rs 72.81 crore in the previous year. The net loss reported is Rs 31.07
crore in spite of reduced losses in Oil division operation.
Trade receivable level has been increased to 100 days from 62 days due
to prevailing market structure whilst inventory turnover has marginally changed from 74
days to 119 days during the year. At the same time, subsidy outstanding stands at Rs 69.32
crore as against Rs 123.34 crore in previous year.
Increase in finance cost is reported at Rs 12.82 crore as against Rs
8.07 crore in previous year due to higher utilization of funds for operational activities.
Your Company's operating segment consisting of:
Fertilizers
Chemicals (Acid)
Micronutrients
Edible oil
The overall reduction in financial results is mainly due to drastic
reduction in subsidy in Rabi 2023 by 48.49% resulting in reduction of Rs 3332/- PMT
against Rs 6872/- PMT. This have impacted high channel inventories in market valuation
causing huge impact on overall business performance. Subsequent softening of international
prices of raw material was not commensurate to subsidy reduction which impacted our
operational viability. However, GOI gave respite by reintroducing freight subsidy for a
shorter period during Nov 2023 to Dec 2023. In that challenging environment, Company took
pragmatic views and kept manufacturing and selling activities on need base. In view of
this, your Company achieved production of 3.65 lac MT against 4.08 lac MT in FY 2023. This
also had great impact on non-absorption of our fixed costs.
Moreover, price volatility in raw material coupled with drastic
reduction in subsidy could not be entirely passed on to the consumer due to market
dynamics and thus could not off-set the higher expenses. There was also below average
monsoon which caused lesser realization coupled with lowering of SSP volumes. However,
w.e.f. 1st April, 2024, there is upward revision in subsidy amount by Rs.1264/- PMT.
At the same time, Sulphuric Acid production and sales has been
increased as compared to previous year. In spite of quantitative improvement, due to
lesser realization because of market situation, your Company could not able to generate
commensurate revenue. There was slow down in downstream industries coupled with abundant
quantity of Acid availability in the market, which made a great impact on financials of
our chemicals (Sulphuric Acid) division also.
Micronutrients business brought in above par revenue and shown marginal
increase in profits.
At Soya oil front, your Company could reduce losses to Rs 0.64 crore as
against Rs 3.80 crore in previous year by improved performance.
Your Company made conscious efforts by taking austerity measures viz.,
cost cutting exercise, hard negotiation in raw material and engineering stores item
procurement, check and control on stores inventory, improving operational efficiency etc.
During the year your Company demonstrated meticulous planning of
production, import and logistics up to the last mile delivery so as to make SSP
Fertilizers available to the farming community in our area of operations.
STRATEGIC INITIATIVES TO MITIGATE AND IMPROVE PERFORMANCE IN FY 2025
Our raw material procurement efficiency is one of the best that also
helped us to maintain the momentum and overcome the challenging environment. Throughout
the fiscal, your Company actively pursued strategic initiatives aimed at mitigating the
impact of adverse market conditions and positioning itself for total growth. These
initiatives include setting up of a new fertilizer plant at strategic location, automation
of operations and focussing on value-added products. By taking proactive measures, your
Company has been able to adapt to challenging market dynamics and lay the groundwork for
sustainable long term success.
Your Company has entered into a Marketing tie-up
with the leading PSU, Hindustan Urvarak & Rasayan Ltd. (HURL) a
leading Urea manufacturing Company for sale of our SSP fertilizers which boosted our
marketing presence in eastern states where we had negligible presence till date.
Your Company has already obtained import and trading licence of DAP
fertilizer which would be pursued in the ensuing FY 2025.
GoI has revised subsidy upward by Rs 1264/- PMT effective from April-24
and that Company is hopeful of improved performances in FY 2025.
The raw material costs that were shot up in between during the year has
now mellowed down that will make us sail through comfortably and bring additional margins
in FY 2025. The Company continues to take progressive steps by its sustainability journey.
With all above pragmatic steps, it is optimistic that your Company
would reap benefits in the ensuing FY 2025.
AWARDS & ACCOLADES
Our Pune unit has been awarded with Best Manufacturing of SSP Plant -
Runner Up for the year 2023 by the Apex body of the Industry, Fertilizer Association of
India, New Delhi. This is the sixth award bestowed on our Company
a) SSP Fertilizer Division
We have manufacturing facilities at strategic locations in Madhya
Pradesh, Rajasthan and Maharashtra. These units are catering to the major consumption area
of Western region in the country in which about 60% of consumption takes place.
Your Company's fertilizer products line include the following:
- Primary : |
SSP Fertilizer - Powder and Granule |
- Micronutrients : |
CalciN, Boron, Zinc Sulphate and Magnesium Sulphate |
- Organic : |
RamaPDM (Potash derived from Molasses) |
- Fortified : |
Boronated and Zincated Zincated Boronated - (Sampurn) |
|
Zincated Boronated with Magnesium |
Our fertilizer brands "Girnar" and "Suryaphool"
are well-entrenched in the market and command good recall amongst
farmers. Our plants at Indore, Pune, Udaipur and Nimbahera are achieving optimum
production.
Your Company introduced SSP fortified with Zinc, fortified with Boron
and also Zincated Boronated SSP and Zincated Boronated SSP with Magnesium were introduced
in the market whilst mix micronutrients MH grade is also approved in the FCO.
Your Company is currently operating in eleven States and our brands, "Girnar"
& "Suryaphool" are well-entrenched in the market and most sought after
by farmers. The fortified fertilizer from our stable under "Sampurn" is
prize-catch for your Company and its popularity is growing.
Your Company's prime motto is to serve the farming community and our
Company's tag line is "Building Trust Together" and this mantra is
practiced by your Company in letter and spirit. Our best of efforts are acknowledged by
the apex body, FAI, New Delhi and that your Company is the recipient of Best Performance
Award for six times till now in a decade. Your Company do not settle with this laurels
and continuous efforts are going on for bettering the performance in the years to come.
b) Chemicals Division
- Sulphuric Acid and Derivatives viz., Oleum, CSA
Sulphuric acid is a basic chemical and widely used in fertilizers,
detergents, pharma, defence, textiles, engineering, power, paper, dyes and intermediates
etc. Moreover, it is also consumed in SSP fertilizer manufacturing as one of its raw
material.
- Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonic Acid (LABSA)
Your Company is establishing product marketability and the plant would
be operated on need base.
c) Power Division - Self Generation Through TG
Your Company's manufacturing units at Pune and Indore are termed as
wholesome energy self-sufficient complex with overall capacity of 3.709 mW power
generation. The waste heat generated (exo-thermic heat) during the process of Sulphuric
Acid manufacturing
through DCDA technology s energized through Turbo Generator and that
major power requirement of production activities including utilities are taken care of.
This has also reduced our dependence on coal for Soya division.
Green Energy through Solar Power
Solar power plant is fully operational at Udaipur unit and generated
555401 kW units during the year. This has resulted in uninterrupted power supply to the
unit and also achieved savings in energy bills.
d) Soya Division
Locational advantage - The Company's state- of-the-art manufacturing
facility has been strategically located at Indore, the soyabean- rich belt of Madhya
Pradesh which accounts for >70% of India's overall soyabean output. The Company draws
100% of its raw material from within a radius of 100 Kms, thus achieving saving in
logistics costs.
Soya is given agro industry status by the Government and promotional
activities are undertaken to increase acreage of cultivation under "Atmanirbhar
Bharat" scheme.
Soya division has seed crushing capacity of 1.20 lac MT per annum along
with refining of 30,000 MT per annum. For past few years your Company has been restricting
to solvent extraction only.
The steam generated during Sulphuric Acid production in newly
commissioned SAP-2 would be utilized in Soya division on need base when there is no power
generation requirement.
The value-added product Lecithin which finds usage in bakery, margarine
and other related industries would also be given thrust by your Company to augment
capacity utilization.
e) Micro Nutrients
These products are specialized in nature to rejuvenate the depleting
microorganisms in soil and thus enhance the yield and output of grains from the field and
improve farmer's income. The increased awareness among farmers for its use is giving
impetus to growth of these products; hence your Company is giving due importance by
doubling its production and sale during the year. Your Company produces wide range of
products under this category viz., Magnesium
Sulphate (MgSO4), Mixed Micronutrients, Sulphur Dust, Zinc Sulphate,
Mono - Hydrate 33% and Zinc Sulphate Hepta-Hydrate 21%. The promotional activities for
consumption of these products are bringing in desired fruits. Such products are marketed
through existing fertilizer dealer set up of 1800 nos. which gives an edge to your
Company. Thus, your Company would enhance more focus on non-subsidized fertilizers also.
ON-GOING PROJECT
Greenfield Fertilizer and Acid Project at Dhule
Your Company's greenfield project at Dhule is expected to be onstream
by FY 2025 in phased manner and fertilizers would be produced in the initial phase to meet
demand of farming community.
AWARDS AND RECOGNITION
- FAI Best Manufacturing Award
Your Pune unit bagged Best Manufacturing award - Runner Up for 2023,
which is the sixth one for the Company.
- NABL Accredited Quality Control Laboratory
NABL accreditation is obtained for all our three units at Indore,
Udaipur and Nimbahera whilst Pune unit has already completed the requisite formalities for
the same.
- BSE-2000 Index Rankings
As on 31st March, 2024, your Company achieved exponential growth in
market cap by achieving 1794 ranking in BSE-2000 index with f 282.95 crore.
- NSE-2000 Index Rankings
Your Company's shares have been listed on the National Stock Exchange
(NSE) and are actively traded on the bourse and as on 31st March, 2024, achieved ranking
at 1600 with market cap of f 284.15 crore.
- ISO ACCREDITATION
Your Company had updated the existing ISO certification with IMS -
Integrated Management System, i.e. a single integrated structure for managing process with
respect to quality, health, safety, environmental, security, ethical or any other
identified requirements.
1. Quality Management System (QMS) - ISO
9001 : 2015 for "Total Customer Satisfaction"
2. Environmental Management System (EMS) - ISO 14001 : 2015 for
"Environmental Safety"
3. Occupational Health & Safety Management System (OHSMS) - ISO
45001 : 2018 for "Personal Health & Safety of Management."
The respective certificates have been received and periodic Gap
analysis audit is undertaken.
AUTOMATION IN PRODUCTION PROCESS AND SAP
Your Company is also actively implementing automation in process
operations whilst set a goal to strengthen digital initiatives and maintain pace for
providing better services to customers.
Moreover, your Company has upgraded SAP Business One to HANA so as to
bring in integration in totality through centralized management.
NEW PRODUCTS LAUNCHED DURING THE YEAR
Customized nutrient formulations tailored to specific soil and crop
needs are becoming more common. In line with this trend, we have launched following new
products devised by our in-house R&D team.
PRODUCT NAME |
RAMAPDM |
CALCI N |
RAMABORON |
SAMPURN with + Mg |
SEGMENT |
Organic |
Micronutrient |
Micronutrient |
Zincated Boronated SSP |
TECHNICAL |
Potash Derived from Molasses |
Calcium Nitrate |
Boron 20% |
ZBGSSP with Magnesium |
PACKING |
50 Kg |
25 Kg |
1Kg, 500 gms |
50 Kg |
UPCOMING PRODUCTS - SOON TO BE LAUNCHED
We are looking at more of Fortification to our generic grades to be
product and soil specific.
PRODUCT NAME |
MICROGOLD - MH |
UREAPHOS |
SEGMENT |
Mixed Micronutrients |
Urea SSP |
TEC HNICAL |
Zn-Cu-Fe-Mn- B |
Urea coated SSP |
PACKING |
10 Kg |
50 Kg |
PRODUCTS IN THE PIPELINE TAKING FINAL SHAPE TO PLUNGE IN THE MARKET
PRODUCT NAME |
SEGMENT |
TECHNICAL |
RAMA BENTO - S |
Micronutrient |
Bentonite Sulphur |
RAMA FERRO - S |
Micronutrient |
Ferrous Sulphate |
RAMA COP PER - S |
Micronutrient |
Copper Sulphate |
YET TO FINALISE |
Biofertilizers |
Under Shortlisting |
YET TO FINALISE |
Organic Fertilizer |
City Compost |
VISION FOR FUTURE
Consistency in Performance
Consistency in performance is a key factor for great success of any
organization in unpredictable and highly competitive environment. Our ability to foresee
shift in the paradigm and resolute response with agility distinct us from mediocrity. Our
responses are always complemented by our integrated business model with NIL and/or
Zero-Wastage
of efficiency which is possible due to wide product mix portfolio and
in-house power generation.
Rs 1000 Crore League
To achieve a place in big-league of ' 1000 cr. plus entities with
consistent growth momentum.
Economies of Scale
With consistent performance, your Company intends to achieve economies
of scale so as to capitalize on increasing demand in fertilizer products in the country.
Safety & Environment
Safety & Environment is given utmost importance in our daily
operational activities by conducting periodic training, mock-drill etc. We also undertake
sprinkling and spraying of water to control dusty atmosphere in the plant premises. Green
Belt development is being given importance and is a continuing activity at all our plants.
0 De-Risking Measures
Multi-Product Portfolio: Fortified and customised fertilizers are
being introduced in the market periodically. These products fall under non-subsidised
category on which our marketing team make earnest efforts to increase sales volume.
Import & Trading of Product:
Your Company is holding valid import license for DAP fertilizer, which
would increase our product portfolio.
Integrated Plants: Co-generation of power is achieved in Sulphuric
Acid plants activity at Pune and Indore which meet basic operational needs. At the same
time, green energy solar power generation is achieved at Udaipur.
All above activities give a cutting-edge to our operations and become
competitive.
Best Ethical Practices
The best ethical practices are being followed in all spheres of
operations to provide quality products as per the need of the farming community.
TRANSFER OF UNCLAIMED DIVIDEND AMOUNT
TO INVESTOR EDUCATION AND PROTECTION FUND (IEPF)
Pursuant to the applicable provisions of the Companies Act, 2013
("the Act") read with the Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority
(Accounting, Audit, Transfer and Refund) Rules, 2016 ("the IEPF Rules"), during
the year, unpaid or unclaimed dividend amounting to Rs 301,475.20 was transferred by the
Company to the Investor Education and Protection Fund ("IEPF"), established by
the Government of India.
Further, 40187 shares were transferred to the demat account of the IEPF
Authority during the year in accordance with IEPF Rules, as the dividend has not been paid
or claimed by the shareholders for 7 (seven) consecutive years or more.
TRANSFER OF AMOUNT TO RESERVES
The Company does not propose to transfer any amount to the general
reserve for the Financial Year ended March 31, 2024.
SHARE CAPITAL
The paid up Equity Share Capital as on March 31, 2024 stood at '
1,767.43 lakhs. During the year under review, there is no change in the Share Capital of
the Company.
INTERNAL FINANCIAL CONTROL SYSTEMS AND THEIR ADEQUACY
The Company has adequate system of internal controls that are
commensurate with its size and nature of business to safeguard and protect the Company
from losses, unauthorized use or disposition of its assets. All the transactions are
properly authorized, recorded and reported to the management. The Company is following all
the applicable Accounting Standards for properly maintaining the books of accounts and
ensuring timely reporting of financial statements. The Company has appointed Internal
Auditors to observe and reaffirm the internal controls as to whether the work flows of
organization is being done through the approved policies of the Company. In every quarter
during the approval of Financial Statements, Internal Auditors present the Internal Audit
Report and Management Comments on the Internal Audit observations. Findings of the
Internal Audit Report are reviewed by the top management and by the Audit Committee of the
Company and proper follow up actions are ensured wherever required. The Statutory Auditors
have evaluated the system of the internal controls including internal financial control of
the Company and have reported that the same are
adequate and commensurate with the size of the Company and nature of
its business.
CHANGE IN NATURE OF BUSINESS
There is no change in the nature of business of the Company.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
A separate report on Corporate Governance and Management Discussion and
Analysis is annexed as part of the Annual Report along with the Auditor's Certificate on
its compliance.
EXTRACT OF ANNUAL RETURN
The Extracts of Annual Return is prepared in Form MGT-9 as per the
provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 and Rule 12 of Companies (Management and
Administration) Rules, 2014 and the same is enclosed as Annexure A' to
this Report.
DIRECTORS AND KEY MANAGERIAL PERSONNEL
The Board presently consists of Mr. Haresh D. Ramsinghani (DIN -
00035416) - Chairman and Managing Director, Mr. Kailasam Raghuraman (DIN
- 00320507) - Independent Director, Mr. Ashish Kumar Thakur (DIN -
00031778) - Independent Director, Mrs. Nilanjana H. Ramsinghani (DIN - 01327609) -
Non-Executive Women Director , Mr. Brij Lal Khanna (DIN - 00841927) - Independent
Director, Mr. Ratneshwar Prasad (DIN -10625105)
- Independent Director, Mr. Pushpangadan Mangari (DIN - 01667572) -
Independent Director and Mr. Kishore Sukthanker (DIN - 10611925) - NonExecutive Director.
Mr. Deonath Singh (DIN 00021741), erstwhile NonExecutive Independent
Director of the Company, left for heavenly abode on March 08, 2024. Late Mr. Deonath Singh
was associated with the Company since long and played a key role in all the board
deliberations and sad demise of Late Mr. Deonath Singh is an irreparable loss to the
Company. The Board of Directors express their deep condolences and pay tribute to the late
Mr. Deonath Singh. The Board places on record profound appreciation for his valuable
contribution in channelising the growth and development of the Company.
Mrs. Nilanjana H. Ramsinghani (DIN 01327609), Director of the Company
retires by rotation and being eligible, offers herself for re-appointment.
The Board of Directors at their meeting held on May 30, 2024 based on
the recommendations of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee, inter alia, approved the
following appointments,
respectively, to the Board of Directors of the Company, subject to the
approval of the Shareholders (through postal ballot process) of the Company -
(i) Appointment of Mr. Ratneshwar Prasad (DIN - 10625105) as an
Additional Independent Director of the Company for a period of two years with effect from
May 30, 2024 to May 29, 2026.
(ii) Appointment of Mr. Pushpangadan Mangari (DIN - 01667572) as an
Additional Independent Director of the Company for a period of one year with effect from
May 30, 2024 to May 29, 2025.
(iii) Appointment of Mr. Kishore Sukthanker (DIN - 10611925) as an
Additional Non-Executive Director of the Company.
Mr. Haresh D. Ramsinghani, Chairman and Managing Director; Mr. Jambu
Kumar Parakh, Chief Financial Officer and Ms. Bhavna Dave, Company Secretary, are the Key
Managerial Personnel of the Company. During the year under review there were no changes to
the Key Managerial Personnel of the Company.
DECLARATION FROM DIRECTORS
The Independent Directors have submitted the declaration of
independence as required pursuant to section 149(7) of the Companies Act, 2013 stating
that they meet the criteria of independence as provided under section 149(6) of the
Companies Act, 2013 and SEBI Regulations and have also registered with the Independent
Director's Databank maintained by the IICA.
None of the Directors of the Company are disqualified for being
appointed as Directors as specified in Section 164(2) the Companies Act, 2013 and Rule
14(1) of the Companies (Appointment and Qualification of Directors) Rules, 2014.
BOARD EVALUATION
Pursuant to the provisions of section 134 (3) of the Companies Act,
2013 and the applicable Regulations of the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure
Requirements), Regulations, 2015, the Independent Directors at their meeting have
evaluated the performance of Non-Independent Directors, Chairperson of the Company after
considering the views of the Executive and NonExecutive Directors, Board as a whole and
assessed the quality, quantity and timeliness of flow of information between the Company's
Management and the Board.
The Nomination and Remuneration Committee has also carried out
evaluation of performance of every Director of the Company. Chairperson of the Board
adopted a formal mechanism for evaluating its performance as well as that of its
Committees and Individual Directors, including the Chairman of the Board.
The Independent Directors are regularly updated on industry &
market trends, plant process and other operational performance of the Company etc. through
presentations in this regard.
NUMBER OF MEETINGS OF BOARD
During the year under review, 4 (Four) meetings of the Board of
Directors were held on May 18, 2023; August 14, 2023; November 9, 2023 and February 12,
2024.
The details of the meetings of the Board of Directors of the Company
held and attended by the Directors during the financial year 2023-24 are given in the
Corporate Governance Report which forms part of this Annual Report.
The maximum interval between any two meetings did not exceed 120 days,
as prescribed by the Act. The necessary quorum was present for all the Board Meetings.
AUDIT COMMITTEE
In accordance with the provisions of Section 177 of the Companies Act,
2013, the rules made there under and Regulation 18 of the SEBI (Listing Obligations and
Disclosure Requirement), 2015 the Audit Committee comprises of the following Directors
viz., Mr. Kailasam Raghuraman (Chairman of the Committee), Mr. Haresh D. Ramsinghani, Mr.
Ashish Kumar Thakur and Mr. Brij Lal Khanna. The Audit Committee acts in accordance with
the terms of reference specified from time to time by the Board. There were no instances
when the recommendations of the Audit Committee were not accepted by the Board during the
year under review.
NOMINATION AND REMUNERATION COMMITTEE
Pursuant to Section 178 of the Companies Act, 2013, the rules made
there under and Regulation 19 of the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure
Requirements) Regulations, 2015 the Nomination & Remuneration Committee comprises of
the following Directors viz., Mr. Kailasam Raghuraman (Chairman of the Committee), Mr.
Brij Lal Khanna and Mr. Haresh D Ramsinghani. The Nomination &
Remuneration Committee framed a policy for selection and appointment,
re-appointment, removal, appraisals of Directors and Senior Management.
RISK MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
Business Risk Evaluation and Management is an ongoing process within
the organization. The Company has a robust risk management framework to identify, monitor
and minimize risks as also identify business opportunities.
As per Regulation 21(5) of SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure
Requirements) Regulation, 2015, Risk Management Committee is applicable to top 1000 listed
entities, determined on the basis of market capitalization, as at the end of the immediate
previous financial year. Hence not applicable to the Company.
STAKEHOLDERS RELATIONSHIP COMMITTEE
The Stakeholders Relationship Committee has the mandate to review and
redress stakeholder grievances. Stakeholders Relationship Committee presently comprised of
three Directors namely Mr. Brij Lal Khanna - (Chairman of the Committee), Mr. Haresh D.
Ramsinghani and Mrs. Nilanjana H. Ramsinghani.
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY COMMITTEE
During the financial year ended March 31, 2024, the Company incurred
CSR Expenditure of Rs 147.03 lakhs. The CSR initiatives of the Company were initiated
under the areas of health & hygiene, community development, education, safe drinking
water, sports and vocational training and detailed requirement as per Section 135 of the
Companies Act, 2013 have been set out in Annexure D' to this report.
The CSR Policy is available on the website of the Company
www.ramaphosphates.com
The Corporate Social Responsibility Committee presently consists of the
following Directors namely Mr. Brij Lal Khanna - (Chairman of the Committee), Mr. Haresh
D. Ramsinghani and Mr. K. Raghuraman.
PARTICULARS OF LOAN, GUARANTEES AND INVESTMENTS BY COMPANY
There were no loans or guarantees or investments given/made by the
Company under Section 186 of the Companies Act, 2013 during the year ended March 31, 2024.
WHISTLE BLOWER POLICY / VIGIL MECHANISM
The Board of Directors has adopted Whistle Blower Policy. The Whistle
Blower Policy aims for conducting the affairs in a fair and transparent manner by adopting
highest standards of professionalism, honesty, integrity and ethical behavior. All
permanent employees of the Company are covered under the Whistle Blower Policy. A
mechanism has been established for employees to report concerns about unethical behavior,
actual or suspected fraud or violation of Code of Conduct and Ethics. It also provides for
adequate safeguards against the victimization of employees who avail of the mechanism and
allows direct access to the Chairperson of the Audit Committee in exceptional cases.
No person has been denied access to the Audit Committee Chairman.
The Whistle Blower Policy has been uploaded on the website of the
Companywww.ramaphosphates.com
STATUTORY AUDITOR
M/s Khandelwal & Mehta LLP Chartered Accountants (Firm Registration
no: W100084) were reappointed as Statutory Auditors of the Company for a term of 5 (five)
consecutive years at the 36th Annual General Meeting held on September 28, 2021 to hold
office till the conclusion of the 41st Annual General Meeting to be held in the year 2026.
The Company has received written consent and certificate of eligibility
in accordance with Section 141 of the Companies Act and Rules issued thereunder, from M/s
Khandelwal & Mehta LLP They have confirmed to hold a valid certificate issued by the
Peer Review Board of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) as required
under the Listing Regulations.
There has been no qualification, reservation, adverse remark or
disclaimer given by the Auditors in their Report for the financial year ended 31st March,
2024. Further, the report of the Statutory Auditors along with notes to schedules is a
part of this Annual Report.
COST AUDITOR
Pursuant to Section 148 of the Companies Act, 2013 read with the
Companies (Cost Records and Audit) Amendment Rules, 2014, the Board of Directors on
recommendation of Audit Committee, have appointed M/s. Arun Agrawal & Co., Cost
Accountants (Firm Registration No. 001229) as the Cost Auditors of the Company to conduct
the audit
of cost records of certain products for the financial year 2024-25.
M/s. Arun Agrawal & Co., being eligible, have consented to act as the Cost Auditors of
the Company for the financial year 2024-25.
The remuneration payable to the Cost Auditors is required to be placed
before the Members in a General Meeting for their ratification. Accordingly, a resolution
for seeking Members' ratification for the remuneration payable to M/s. Arun Agrawal &
Co. is included at Item No. 3 of the Notice convening the 39th Annual General Meeting.
INTERNAL AUDITORS
The Board of Directors of the Company have appointed M/s. MKRK &
Co, Chartered Accountants, M/s. Pahadiya & Associates, Chartered Accountants, M/s.
K.L. Vyas & Co., Chartered Accountants and M/s. Nayati Mundra & Co, Chartered
Accountants to conduct Internal Audit for the Plant locations at Pune, Indore, Udaipur and
Nimbahera unit respectively of the Company. The scope of work of Internal Auditors
includes review of processes, operational efficiency and effectiveness of systems and
processes and assessment of adequacy of internal controls and safeguards apart from
specific operational areas as per the directions of the Audit Committee. The findings of
the Internal Auditor are reviewed by the Audit Committee in each meeting and corrective
measures are taken from time to time as per the directions of the Audit Committee.
SECRETARIAL AUDITOR
In terms of Section 204 of the Act and Rules made thereunder M/s.
Jignesh M. Pandya & Co., Practicing Company Secretary (Membership No. ACS 7346/CP No:
7318) have been appointed as Secretarial Auditor of the Company to carry out the
Secretarial Audit for financial year 2024-25. The report of the Secretarial Auditor for
the financial year 2023-24 is enclosed as Annexure C' to this Report.
The Secretarial Audit Report does not contain any qualification, reservation or adverse
remark.
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
All contracts/arrangements/transactions entered with Related Parties
for the year under review were on an arm's length basis and in ordinary course of business
and that the provisions of Section 188 of the Companies Act, 2013 are not attracted.
Further, there are no material Related Party Transactions during the year under review
with the Promoters, Directors or Key Managerial Personnel. Accordingly, the disclosure of
related party transactions as
required under Section 134(3)(h) of the Act in Form AOC-2 is not
applicable to the Company for financial year 2023-24.
All transactions with related parties were reviewed and approved by the
Audit Committee. An Omnibus approval from the Audit Committee was obtained for
transactions which are of repetitive nature.
In terms of Regulation 23(9) of the Listing Regulations, the Company
submits on the date of publication of financial results, the half yearly disclosures of
related party transactions on a consolidated basis, in the format specified in the
relevant accounting standards to the stock exchanges.
The policy on Related Party Transactions as approved by the Board of
Directors has been uploaded on the website of the company www.ramaphosphates.com
CONSERVATION OF ENERGY, TECHNOLOGY, ABSORPTION, FOREIGN EXCHANGE
EARNINGS AND OUTGO
Information required under section 134 (3)(m) of the Companies Act,
2013 read with the Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014 is enclosed as Annexure
B' and forms part of the report.
DEPOSITS
The Company has not accepted any deposits from the public in terms of
Section 73 and Section 74 of the Companies Act, 2013 read with the Companies (Acceptance
of Deposit) Rules, 2014.
MATERIAL CHANGES AND COMMITMENTS
There are no material changes and commitments in the business
operations of the Company for the financial year ended March 31, 2024 to the date of
signing of the Directors Report.
PARTICULARS OF EMPLOYEES
The information required pursuant to Section 197 read with Rule 5 of
the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014 in
respect of employees of the Company is enclosed as Annexure E' and forms
part of the report.
DISCLOSURES UNDER SEXUAL HARASSMENT OF WOMEN AT WORKPLACE (PREVENTION,
PROHIBITION & REDRESSAL) ACT, 2013
No case was filed under the Sexual harassment of Women at Workplace
(Prevention, Prohibition & Redressal) Act, 2013 during the year under review.
SIGNIFICANT AND MATERIAL ORDERS PASSED BY THE REGULATORS OR COURTS
There are no significant material orders passed by the Regulators or
Courts or Tribunal that would impact the going concern status of the Company and its
future operations.
SECRETARIAL STANDARDS
The Directors have devised proper systems and processes for complying
with the requirements of applicable Secretarial Standards issued by the Institute of
Company Secretaries of India and such systems were adequate and operating effectively.
DIRECTORS RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT AS REQUIRED UNDER SECTION 134 OF THE
COMPANIES ACT, 2013
Pursuant to the requirement under section 134(3)(c) of the Companies
Act, 2013, with respect to the Directors Responsibility Statement, the Board of Directors
of the Company hereby confirms that:
a) in the preparation of the annual accounts for the financial year
ended 31st March, 2024, the applicable Accounting Standards had been followed along with
proper explanation relating to material departures;
b) the directors have selected such accounting policies and applied
them consistently and made judgments and estimates that are reasonable and prudent so as
to give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Company as at 31st March, 2024
and of the profits of the Company for the financial year ended March 31, 2024;
c) the directors had taken proper and sufficient care for the
maintenance of adequate
accounting records in accordance with the provisions of the Companies
Act, 2013 for safeguarding the assets of the company and for preventing and detecting
fraud and other irregularities;
d) the directors had prepared the annual accounts on a going concern
basis;
e) the directors had laid down internal financial controls to be
followed by the company and that such internal financial controls are adequate and were
operating effectively; and
f) the directors had devised proper systems to ensure compliance with
the provisions of all applicable laws and that such systems were adequate and operating
effectively.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Your Directors sincerely record their appreciation with gratitude for
the continued support and assistance extended to the Company by the Banks and various
Government Departments and Agencies and Creditors. The Directors place on record their
appreciation for continued support of shareholders of the Company. The Directors also wish
to place on record the appreciation to the team of executives, staff and workers, who have
shown devotion and efficiency in performing their jobs.
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